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Original vintage black-and-white photograph of an African American woman and young child seated together indoors.
The woman is wearing a period satin-like blouse and skirt, while the young boy wears suspender-style overalls and a collared shirt. The photograph provides an excellent glimpse into everyday African American domestic life during the mid-20th century.
The interior setting is also notable, showing a radiator, upholstered furniture, curtains and a residential doorway. The photograph has a distinctive scalloped/deckle-style border.
The reverse contains photographic-paper markings/stamps, including a partially visible “J56041” marking and another manufacturer/processing mark. These have not been interpreted as a date or identification.
Approximate size: 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 inches
Estimated date: circa 1940–1948
Photographer: Unknown
Location: Unknown
Type: Original vintage snapshot photograph
Estimated Date
Circa 1940–1948
Confidence: Medium-high.
The woman’s hairstyle and clothing, the child’s overalls, furniture and photographic-paper format are consistent with the 1940s. The scalloped edge is also characteristic of period photographic prints. Comparable items specifically identify scalloped-edge African American photographs as 1940s gelatin-silver prints.
Condition
Fair vintage condition — significant age and surface wear.
* Heavy surface scratching and abrasion
* Vertical and diagonal scratches across the image
* Areas of staining/discoloration
* Fading and uneven contrast
* Wear around the scalloped edges
* Age toning to the photographic paper
* Reverse has photographic-paper markings and minor discoloration
* No major tears or missing sections visible
The damage is substantial but also authenticates the photograph as an old, handled original rather than a modern reproduction.
Collectible Interest
* African American history
* Black Americana
* Vernacular photography
* African American family photography
* 1940s photography
* African American childhood
* Domestic and social history
* Vintage fashion
* 1940s hairstyle
* Scalloped-edge photography
* Original found photograph
